Helmsley Walled Garden

A 5 acre kitchen garden dating from 1758. It was abandoned during the 1970s and has been extensively restored since 1994. There are Victorian glasshouses, fruit trees, vines, a peony garden, dipping pond and over 250 varieties of clematis.

Head Gardener's Comment

Helmsley Walled Garden comprises five acres of stunning planting. There are restored glasshouses full of colour, double herbaceous borders and a brand new clematis garden showcasing over 150 different varieties. Fruit trees clothe the walls and the grounds, including a special collection of over 50 Yorkshire apple cultivars; vegetable plots provide some of the ingredients for the delicious dishes in the Vinehouse Café.

The Garden also works as a social enterprise, providing social and therapeutic horticulture to people with a wide range of difficulties and disabilities. Specialist therapists provide a structured environment for supported volunteers to gain skills and self-confidence whilst undertaking horticultural tasks in a safe environment.

History

Built in 1759, Helmsley Walled Garden is a five acre garden sitting beneath the imposing ruins of Helmsley Castle. It provided the vegetables, fruit and flowers for the table of Duncombe Park until just after World War 1 when it was leased as market garden. Abandoned after it closed its doors for the final time in 1984, it fell into dereliction. Restoration started in 1994 and since then the Garden has gone from strength to strength through the dedication and care of staff and volunteers.